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Tag: Music Industry

Clayton Hutson is a hustler in the purest sense of the word – the man works hard, works long hours and gives 125% to everything he does. He even personally safety tests dangerous equipment. It shows, because those for whom he provides his services often request him. Who might those people be? Only Kid Rock, P!nk, Lady GaGa and the like. What does he do? Everything; that is, everything a touring artist needs: Production Design & Management, Show Production, Monitor Engineering, Logistics Management, Stage Management and Rigging.

Clay, as he prefers to go by, went to school for Theatre design and quickly gained experience working for companies that provide live entertainment solutions, corporate entertainment, Project and Stage management and even Billy Graham. Eventually he found his way to rock and roll and providing similar solutions and management services to touring musicians. He now works for himself and is in high demand by big name singers for the quality of work that he does. He double and triple checks everything that he is responsible for – yes, even the rigging.

That’s a big deal, especially when the quality of the rigging you set up is holding P!nk in the air while she does mid-show acrobatics. Nothing can ruin the reputation of a small business owner than knowing the product or service provided were not up to the customer’s standards. Clay does everything in his power to make sure the people in the audience are wowed every time. He is known for being the first person to arrive at the venue and the last person to leave. Part of the reason for his success is his organization: he ensures every task and chore, no matter how small, is acknowledged, assigned and carried out.

He has a unique, 360 degree, three steps ahead of everyone else kind of leadership style. He knows that he is the man paid to make sure everything works, and that’s what he does. He said in an interview with IdeaMensch “every piece of equipment must fit through the door, and it is my job to know the exact measurements of every door, in every arena.” It is essentially his job to make sure that the Artist’s shows look amazing, and he does his job well.

What kind of artist does he like to work with? The ones who are really involved in their shows. The kinds of artists that are looking to do more than just sing, to make their shows a spectacle. Lady GaGa and P!nk are two he mentions specifically for their show-stopping entertainment. He also mentions that Prince was an artist like that, and he really enjoyed working with him.